Filming well-underway as police and students team up for 'Betrayal' project

The feature film will be shown at secondary schools in the area to raise awareness of the dangers around ‘sexting’, following collaboration between students, police and Len Howarth, an ex-senior magistrate.

The drama will follow the lives of a young couple who find themselves in an unfortunate situation after they share illicit images over text message and social media.

Filming for the project is now well-underway which will see the final scenes being produced and directed by students on the Foundation Degree in Television Production this week.

‘Betrayal’ also saw students and police officers taking on acting roles, including Inspector Barry Doyle who played the role of the magistrate during the filming of court scenes.

The project has been filmed across a number of locations in the High Peak and Stockport, including areas around Glossop, Hadfield Police House and an unused council building in Chinley.

The filming was overseen by Foundation Degree in TV Production Tutor Andrew Percival who commented: “Television drama can prove notoriously challenging for students to shoot effectively.

“The way in which our students have developed and matured during the shoot has been fabulous – three solid weeks of extremely long hours, travel and working alongside actors and other professionals to secure the most effective results has meant that they’ve had ample time to refine their professional skills – and now have a handsome result into the bargain!”

Sheila McCormick, a Stockport University Centre Lecturer added: "This is an example of the students who are studying on the Television Production Degree gaining excellent television drama filming experience.

“Having worked for ITV and BBC on productions I feel that the locations used, the actors and all contributors from the local police force on the production of the drama Betrayal have been fantastic and directly reflects professional practice in the industry."

Section Inspector Barry Doyle, who oversees policing in Buxton North, said: “I was only too pleased to help out and play the role of the magistrate as there have been many occasions I have been in court wanting to be the other side of the bench.

“It also reminded me of why I became a police officer rather than follow a career in acting as I’ve not had any further roles offered to me following my screen debut.

“Joking aside, the film delivers a serious message to youngsters and I was keen to help out in any way I could to help to reinforce this. The students have worked fantastically I am grateful to be a part of it.”

The official launch for the project is planned for later this year in October.

To speak to your local Safer Neighbourhood team call 101, the non-emergency number for Derbyshire police.